Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness

Is meditation safe for people who have experienced trauma?

It can be.

My name is David Treleaven, and I'm a writer, educator, and trauma professional who has spent the past decade studying the relationship between mindfulness and traumatic stress.

What I've learned is that mindfulness meditation can either help or hinder trauma survivors—it depends on how it’s practiced.

My work is to explain why this is, and offer you practical tools to teach and practice mindfulness in a trauma-sensitive way.

On this site, you can learn more about the book I wrote on this topic, explore resources designed to support your practice, and hear more about me—including my belief that trauma is a social justice issue.

"This book is a rare combination of solid scholarship, clinically useful methods, and passionate advocacy for those who have suffered trauma. It contains riveting case examples, excellent summaries of research on mindfulness, the brain, and trauma, and extremely clear descriptions of effective approaches in psychotherapy. Throughout, Dr. Treleaven carries the reader along with clarity, enthusiasm for his topic, and heart. Truly a gem."

"This is essential and fascinating reading for meditation teachers, mental health practitioners and all those who have suffered from trauma and want to engage on a meditative path in a wise and healing way."

— TARA BRACH, Ph.D., author of Radical Acceptance and True Refuge

ABOUT

Learn more about my background, including why I care about this topic—and why I think you should, too.

THE LATEST

See my latest posting on trauma-sensitive mindfulness, including lessons I’m learning in the field.

WORK WITH ME

From keynotes to consultation and teaching, I help individuals and organizations who work with mindfulness adopt trauma-sensitive practice.